Homemade caramel sauce and gluten-free oats combine in this Salted Caramel Overnight Oats vegan recipe for a make-ahead breakfast recipe you’ll look forward to eating! Prepare a large batch ahead of time for grab-n-go breakfasts or high-protein snacks all week long!

Caramel Crazy

I’m about to make a bold statement. Caramel is one of the best flavors of all time. That’s right, I said it! I mean, can you honestly tell me you can say no to a Vegan Caramel Pecan Blondie or Vegan Caramel Apple Scones? How about Whipped Vegan Caramel Mousse? That’s what I thought! If I’m being honest, I do my best to incorporate it into every day. In fact, I would eat it for every meal if I could! However, finding suitable breakfast recipes full of caramel and not loaded with sugar and added ingredients can be a huge struggle. Until now, that is, because I came up with the best breakfast recipe ever! We’re apparently all about bold statements today.

However, when you try these Salted Caramel Overnight Oats, I’m pretty sure you’ll agree. They’re super simple to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and leave you feeling full for hours. Even better, they’re gluten-free, vegan, and full of healthy fats and fiber to nourish your body. I’d be lying if I said the best part wasn’t the taste, though. Sweet, just a little salty, and thick in texture, these overnight oats are what dreams are made of. Keep reading to see how they come together!

Ingredients for Easy Overnight Oats

For the Caramel Sauce:

Coconut Butter – Also known as creamed coconut, coconut butter is a fat source that adds crazy good coconut flavor and a creamy texture to any recipe. However, it can easily be substituted with almond butter, cashew butter, or tahini. Just keep in mind that the flavor of your caramel sauce would change depending on what you use.
Maple Syrup – Maple syrup adds a hint of maple flavor crucial to caramel sauce and also provides the perfect amount of sweetness without the need to add tons of sugar.
Sea Salt – Trust me when I say you do not want to skip out on the sea salt! It helps balance out the sweetness of the caramel while enhancing the natural flavors.

For the Oats

Milk – to keep these overnight oats vegan I used plant-based milk, but any milk you like best can be used.
Oats – Old-fashioned oats work best for these overnight oats. If you’re gluten-sensitive, make sure to use a brand that is guaranteed gluten-free. Otherwise, you risk consuming oats that have been cross-contaminated with other gluten-containing foods!
Protein Powder – It comes as no surprise that I used Nuzest protein in the vanilla flavor. They’re seriously just the best! If you want to try them for yourself, feel free to use the code: thekellykathleen. Or, swap it out for your favorite protein of choice. Just be aware that I cannot guarantee the taste or texture of your overnight oats if you do!
Chia Seeds – A secret weapon in my overnight oats recipe, chia seeds help thicken your oats while also providing a great source of fiber and healthy fats to keep you full!
Cinnamon – Technically optional but highly recommended, cinnamon adds a hint of sweet and spicy flavor that makes these vegan overnight oats even more delicious.
Sea Salt – Again, just trust me, and add the sea salt. Your oats won’t taste the same without it!

Additional Toppings

These vegan overnight oats are super loaded with flavor already. However, if you want to add even more and get creative in your kitchen, feel free to experiment with your favorite mix-ins and toppings! For example, a few of my favorites include: apple chunks, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, chocolate sauce, and even whipped cream if you want to truly treat yourself!

How to Make Vegan Overnight Oats with Caramel Sauce

Once you see how easy these overnight oats come together, I guarantee you’re going to make them a staple in your meal prep routine!

For the Caramel Sauce:

Whisk. In a small saucepan, whisk together the coconut butter and maple syrup over medium-low heat.
Heat. Let the mixture heat on your stovetop until it begins to lightly bubble.
Cool. Once bubbling, remove the caramel sauce from the heat, and let it cool for 15-20 minutes before using.

For the Oats:

Combine. In a jar or bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the oats, mixing to combine.
Refrigerate. Once fully mixed, seal your oats, and store them in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Storage Tips

If you’re looking for a simple recipe you can enjoy for days on end, you’ve come to the right place! I love to make a big batch of these vegan overnight oats ahead of time to last all week.

If you get tired of eating the same thing every day, feel free to prepare the simple overnight oats recipe leaving off the caramel sauce. Then, just add your favorite toppings and mix-ins instead!

Fridge: Stored in an airtight container or mason jars, these overnight oats will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.

Freezer: If sealed properly, overnight oats can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 months. Then, to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Do I Serve Overnight Oats Hot or Cold?

Overnight oats can be served either hot or cold, depending on your preferences! To enjoy them cold, just pull them out of the fridge, and dig in. Or, pop them in the microwave for a minute or two to heat them up instead.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Oats?

Sure! Personally, I prefer old-fashioned oats, because they yield a slightly thicker and fluffier texture. However, quick-cooking oats, rolled oats, and steel cut oats can be used instead.

More Overnight Oats Recipes You’ll Love

What are your favorite way to eat overnight oats? Let me know in the comments below!